The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-08-05
VIRGINIA'S DEMOCRACY.
HON. j. s. BARBOUR CALLS THE
CONVENTION TO ORDER.

The Importance of the Debt Question
Urged Upon the elegates-Cleve-
land Endorsed With Tremendous
Enthusiasm - A Platform Adopted.
ROANOKE, VA, Aug. 4.--The Democratic
State Convention assembled at IL o'clock.
Hon. John S. Barbour, Chairman of the
State Executive Committee called the con-
vention to order After loud calls Mr. Bar
bour arose and addressed the convention
He said the calling of a Democratic conven-
tion was always in order in the State, but
there was great opposition to this
one. But it was too obvious
that the convention was nee
essary on account of the momentous
questions involved He said the ques ton be-
fore the people of Virginia was the division
on the debt question that presented itself.
He said the difference of opinion could be
better determined in the party, aud coun-
seled harmony and dispassionate discussion
of all the issues involved.
FRESH FROM THE PEOPLE.
He said the delegates present were fresh
from the people and no doubt reflected the
sentiment of the people. Far better would
it be that any difference of opinion be dis
covered now rather than after the election,
far better now than to have the spectacle of
candidate in one part Of the State running
on one set of opinions and an
other candidate in the field hold
ing different views, both claiming to belong
to the Democratic party. If differences ex-
isted now, they were too radical to be recon-
ciled without consultation, and q house
divided against ITSELF we are told, cannot
stand There was another reason to influ
ence the decision by the convention. Here
tofore organization was effected by special
campaigns. There was no convention last
year and $4,000 Democrats remained at
home or declined to vote at the November
election
DECLINED THE RESPONSIBILITY.
He for one, as chairman of the Demo
cratic Committee, was not willing TO take
the responsibility, under the circumstances,
of conducting campaign of so much inn
portance without convention. lie eulo-
giZed President Cleveland, and said he was
the best President we have had for quar-
ter of a century His speech was loudly
cheered, and after quiet had been restored
he nominated Samuel II. Motlitt, of Rock
ingham, for temporary chairman.
Upon taking the chair he eulogized the
administrator of Cleveland, and the cheers
were SO great that the speaker was inter
rupted for several minutes. He created the
greatest enthusiasm when he said that
President Cleveland's administration was
the most American and most honest the
country had had during the last half CEN
tury.
John Bell Billenger was elected Secretary
and the convention adjourned until
O'Clock.
THE PERMANENT CHAIRMAN.
The convention reassembled at o'clock.
| Hon Holm (rnnIp nf NnrfnIk TnQHa
permanent chairman, and addressed the
| convention, declaring in favor of the Rid
| dleberger bill as finality In the settlement of
| the State debt. He indorsed President
| Cleveland and was received with great ap-
plause. In conclusion he paid warm trib-
ute to the Pennsylvania troops recently
visitors at Gettysburg. The convention
then took a recess until 8 O'Clock ut night,
and upon reassembling Senator John w
Daniel was called for with wild demonstra-
tiops He also eulogized the administration
but condemned civil service reform in strong
language.
In a brief speech Lieut.. Gov Massey ad-
vocated giving the bondholders six months
in which TO fund the old bonds into Riddle
berger bonds and thereafter refuse TO re-
fund for those who decline this settlement.
THE PLATFORM
The following platform was adopted:
The Democratic party Of Virginia, in con-
vention assembled, congratulates the people
upon the continued enjoyment of the bless
ing of good government secured by the
restoration of Democratic administration,
State and Federal. Again invoking the
popular verdict in its behalf, we point with
pride and confidence to tue record of pledges
faithfully performed and to the guarantees
of good government which it offers.
l. The wise, conservative, fearless and
I n Al q
President of the United States, deserves,
and will receive, the cordial support of the
Democrats of Virginia.
g We demand Immediate repeal of the
internal revenue system, a relic of the war
and no longer necessary TO meet the de-
mands of the government, because it is OPP
pressive, fosters monopolies and is obnox
ious to the interests OF our people.
g. We favor raising revenue requisite for
the support Of the Federal government by "a
tariff upon imports limited 10 the necessi-
ties of the government economically adj
ministered, and so adjusted In its applica-
ton as to prevent unequal burdens, en-
courage productive interests at home, de-
velopment Of our material resources, and
afford just compensation to labor, but not
TO foster monopolies.
L. We approve the action of the last
General Assembly at its extra session in 1887
the bondholders in connection with the set
tlement of the public debt. The Demo-
cratic party will never support or sanction
any adjustment of the debt which shall i'm
pose larger liabilities upon the common
wealth than that recognized and provided
for by the Riddleberger act, and we pledge
the party TO enact all the laws necessary TO
render such settlement effective, final and
decisive.
5. The Democratic party pledges itself TO
urge upon Congress the justice Of its practi-
cal recognition Of Virginia's equitable de-
mands for compensation for her past muniti-
cent concessions of territory to, the Federal
government aud also for the loss to Virginia
for the ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of her territory and
consequent reduction of her taxable values,
in order that the fund justly due Virginia
from this source may be available to aid in
relieving the tax payers from the burdens
OF their present financial difficulties.
q. We reassert the determination Of the
party to literally provide for our disabled
soldiers, and declare that I'm the future the
State should provide for the INDECENT widows
of soldiers who fell on the field of battle or
died from the effects Of wounds received i'll
defense Of the State.
z. The Democratic party founded and or
ganized the public school system of Vir-
ginin, and has adopted every measure
which has been passed 10 secure its eill-
cheney, and we pledge the party to its con
tinued support until every
child In the commonwealth, of
whatever race or color may secure the